I knows a town, an’ it’s a fine town,
And many a brig goes sailin’ to its quay;
I knows an inn, an’ it’s a fine inn,
An’ a lass that’s fair to see.
I knows a town, an’ it’s a fine town;
I knows an inn, an’ it’s a fine inn—
But Oh my lass, an’ Oh the gay gown,
Which I have seen my pretty in!

I knows a port, an’ it’s a good port,
An’ many a brig is ridin’ easy there;
I knows a home, an’ it’s a good home,
An’ a lass that’s sweet an’ fair.
I knows a port, an’ it’s a good port,
I knows a home, an’ it’s a good home—
But Oh the pretty that is my sort,
What’s wearyin’ till I come!

I knows a day, an’ it’s a fine day,
The day a sailor man comes back to town;
I knows a tide, an’ it’s a good tide,
The tide that gets you quick to anchors down.
I knows a day, an’ it’s a fine day,
I knows a tide, an’ it’s a good tide—
And God help the lubber, I say,
What’s stole the sailor man’s bride!